6/28/2013

FirstMerit Bank, the Chicago Park District and Live Nation Entertainment, announced today a multi-year agreement for FirstMerit Bank to become the new name-in-title sponsor of the popular and newly expanded lakefront facility located at historic Northerly Island on Chicago’s lakefront. The new venue name is FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.

This sponsorship agreement is indicative of FirstMerit Bank’s ongoing commitment to Chicago. “We are excited about our long-term partnership with this one-of-a-kind Chicago entertainment destination. We’ve been committed to our communities since 1845 and being involved with Northerly Island is a great example of our commitment to Chicago,” said Peter K. Gillespie, president and CEO of FirstMerit Bank’s Chicago region. “Northerly Island is a true jewel among this city’s many treasures and a great place to see a concert. More than ever, FirstMerit Bank Pavilion is going to be Chicago’s premier outdoor music venue.”

The 2013 season brings a variety of improvements and expansions to the new FirstMerit Bank Pavilion, including an upgraded stage, expanded state-of-the-art sound and lights, new seating and more grassy space throughout the venue. The newly redeveloped lawn now allows for flexible capacity up to 30,000 patrons while still offering sweeping panoramic views of Chicago’s lakefront.

This new name-in-title relationship arrives just in time for an appearance on June 29 by Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band.

“It’s an exciting time for us as we prepare to open our doors for the season and deliver a fantastic summer of entertainment to Chicago music fans,” said Mark Campana, co-president, Live Nation Concerts North America. “Our new partnership with FirstMerit Bank is an important part of our mission to make Northerly Island a can’t-miss part of summer in Chicago, and we are delighted to welcome them aboard just in time for the legendary Jimmy Buffett.”

“We are excited to welcome FirstMerit Bank as the title sponsor of the concert venue at Northerly Island,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Mike Kelly. “Together with Live Nation we will continue to bring great music and fans to this unique lakefront venue. We look forward to the FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island being one the city’s most popular summer concert destinations and supporter of the Chicago Park District’s Northerly Island nature development.”

Since its opening night featuring Earth, Wind and Fire in 2007, FirstMerit Bank Pavilion has brought a wealth of talent to the beautiful park-like setting of Northerly Island, including artists such as Train, Furthur featuring members of the Grateful Dead, The Zac Brow Band, 311, Rush and over 150 others. Patrons and artists alike have come to appreciate the beauty and comfort of the FirstMerit Pavilion experience. In addition to Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, this summer’s stellar line-up also includes Counting Crows and the Wallflowers, Phish, Jonas Brothers and many more. The full calendar and more information can be found at LiveNation.com.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.